Report: Seattle Seahawks have had discussions about signing WR Antonio Brown

The Seattle Seahawks have had internal discussions about signing free-agent wide receiver Antonio Brown, according to a report Tuesday from the NFL Network.

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The team is considering Brown as a potential late-season addition, with a possible suspension looming for him to start the upcoming season, the report said. The Ravens are also said to be interested in the seven-time Pro Bowler. Brown is a cousin of Baltimore second-year wide receiver Marquise Brown.

“He’s an exceptional talent and he’s been reasonably quiet on social media lately, so teams are sniffing around,” the NFL Network’s Mike Silver said of Antonio Brown. “I would keep an eye on the Seattle Seahawks. Antonio Brown has been doing some offseason workouts with their backup quarterback, Geno Smith. They are absolutely interested in having him potentially as a late-season addition, assuming there’s a suspension.”

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Brown, 31, faces legal problems and potentially discipline from the NFL for off-the-field issues. Earlier this month, the embattled receiver pleaded no contest to burglary and battery charges stemming from a January incident. The league is also investigating allegations of sexual assault and rape against him.

The Patriots released Brown last season, following one game, after he allegedly sent intimidating text messages to a woman who accused him of making unwanted sexual advances, according to a story published by Sports Illustrated. The brief stint in New England followed his tumultuous offseason with the Raiders.

Brown was also linked to the Seahawks last season. Coach Pete Carroll admitted to reporters in September that the team expressed interest in the four-time All-Pro receiver after he was released by the Raiders last season, before he signed with the Patriots. It’s also been reported in the past that quarterback Russell Wilson would love to add Brown to the roster.

Why this matters now: there’s some belief that the Seahawks would like to bolster the wide-receiver room for 2020 with more star power. Seattle this offseason has signed veteran Phillip Dorsett, to help a group led by Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf.

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But with signing a player like Brown, a team has to take into consideration the off-the-field concerns and the possibility he faces a lengthy suspension to start the year, despite his obvious talent.

Josh Gordon, another embattled receiver, is also seen as a possibility for the Seahawks. Gordon played five games with Seattle last season, before an indefinite suspension for violating the league’s policies on performance-enhancing substances and substances of abuse. Gordon applied for reinstatement into the NFL earlier this month, according to national news outlets, and there’s optimism he could be cleared by training camp.

If reinstated, Gordon may be more of a logical fit for the Seahawks, considering his familiarity with the offense and star power of his own — on top of the fact Seattle has expressed interest in having him back. The feelings are mutual from Gordon’s end.

Gordon has spent extensive time in the Seattle area this offseason working out.

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Ben Arthur covers sports for SeattlePI. He can be reached by email at benjaminarthur@seattlepi.com. Follow him on twitter at @benyarthur.